Photo: John Osborn (Septa train last Saturday night)
Philadelphia Union
Busy news day yesterday on the MLS site:
- Philadelphia Union’s David Accam sidelined 2 months after hernia surgery
- After two years away, USMNT return worth the wait for Union’s Fafa Picault
- Philadelphia Union’s Tanner says keeping Borek Dockal is “first choice”
- New Union sporting director Ernst Tanner praises Curtin’s work with Philly
Hey! A piece on Borek Dockal that isn’t behind the paywall of the The Athletic.
The Union Soccer Podcast‘s latest episode features an interview with Jim Curtin. They asked him about being booed down at Talen, and he had an entertaining anecdote about it. To quote a Doctor Who episode, “No spoilers!”
Local
Penn FC won’t play in 2019 as it looks for new stadium . . . plans for a 2020 return in USL League One.
Here are some scores from yesterday in men’s soccer:
- La Salle University 0-3 George Mason University
- University of Delaware 2-1 Drexel University
- Saint Joseph’s University 2-6 Davidson College
- Drew University 2-3 Haverford College
- Pennsylvania College of Technology 1-1 Juniata College
And in women’s:
- Haverford College 1-0 Washington College
- Rowan University 0-0 Rutgers University-Camden
- Gwynedd Mercy University 0-2 Wesley College
- Pennsylvania College of Technology 2-0 Lancaster Bible College
MLS
Power rankings brought to you by that marketing monster called MLSsoccer.com.
New bid for St. Louis MLS expansion team launched.
The Sounders may not be staying at CenturyLink Field after their lease is up in 10 years.
UPSL
The United Premier Soccer League got a new East Coast Director.
NWSL
Washington Spirit‘s owner is in talks about selling a majority share.
Do the Kansas City Royals have any legitimacy to their case after filing a trademark lawsuit against the Utah Royals FC?
U.S. Soccer
USWNT thrashed Trinidad & Tobago 7-0 to finish first in World Cup qualifying.
One year removed from Couva, the USMNT still lacks direction. Never forget!
Around the globe
Inside the world of adapted soccer.
Legal breakdown of the rape allegations, case vs. Ronaldo.
Cirque du Soleil will create a Lionel Messi show.
The Guardian asks, “Are goals from the halfway line overrated?”
Highlight of the day
HARRISBURG FIRST CITY TO BE NAMED AFTER HARIS MEDUNJANIN #ORANGES @PhilaUnion https://t.co/0zstRMWimc
— Union Bruce Banner. (@HULKUNIONSMASH) October 10, 2018
Union Soccer Podcast with Jim Curtin is one of the best things I’ve listened to in a while. Clearly a manager of men which during tough times was the glue, the reason he was able to stay afloat and keep — buy in.
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John O’Donnell make sure you give it a listen as you have been one of his biggest advocates.
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I remember 4 years ago at YSC preseason I was there before anyone with my two young guns standing above the field – Jim Curtin saw my boys and invited them on to field, hung out with them for 10 minutes or so. Terrific respect.
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I am glad he’s having success.
Also listened on my ride home and really enjoyed. PSP Alum Adam Caan doing very well! Good stuff! I haven’t always been the biggest fan of Curtin the Manager and I am still critical, but Curtin the Man is a solid dude and has always had my respect.
Very good interview and thanks for the recommendation I appreciate it. Something that struck me as odd when I was listening was Curtin actually talking about players and specifically Dockal. He actually commented about if they could take care of business with the Chinese team. My thought is are we seeing the first policy change from the Ernie era as it seemed everything was put in the cone of silence? Even Ernest talked openly about the player as well, even though he promised nothing, he did state that they desired to try and resign him if they could.
I believe Ernie would have said something more like we want to finish the season and then we’ll sit down and evaluate everyone. This was one of my biggest frustrations with him as they boast about Philly fans getting it, then treat us like we don’t. Looking at the stadium with empty seats as they have their best season ever, clearly shows they have some work to do winning back fans. Hopefully this is a small change that I would like to see. Part of the fun following a team is the hot stove in the off season and with the season they are having, this off season hopefully can be exciting.
David Accam, following in the footsteps of Maurice Edu and (tangentially) Andrew Bynum?
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Is Accam under contract for next year for the U?
Hey, Rob, I can answer inferentially. There were provisions in the contract that became public knowledge that the Chicago Fire got percentages of any sell-on fees on a scale that declined overtime. The scale was more than a year, by memory.
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that suggests the Union have an option at least, and probably more than that.